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Ottawa Valley Denture Clinic
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Relines

As with the rest of your body, your mouth is constantly changing. The bone and soft tissue in your mouth is what holds the denture in place. Once tissue resorption occurs, it will result in your existing dentures no longer fitting the same. This is where a reline could be beneficial! A reline is the process whereby a new base material is added to the soft tissue side of your denture, which will allow them to fit better once again.

A few reasons that could contribute towards these changes, such as tissue shrinkage and resorption is:

  • Loss of weight
  • Loss of Teeth
  • Loss of bone
  • Disease and illness
  • Ageing

There are 2 types of relines, soft and hard.

OVDC Denture Relines

Hard Relines

These have the same hardness as your existing denture and will help to fill in the gaps where the gums have started to shrink. These do not need to be replaced as frequently as a soft reline, but rather as your gums continue to shrink or change over time.

It is always a good idea to schedule follow up visits with your Denturist to ensure that your dentures are fitting correctly and that the necessary steps are taken to maintain your oral health and comfort.

Soft Relines

A soft liner acts a cushion between your gums and the denture. These are usually beneficial when you experience constant irritation or discomfort from your existing dentures. A soft reline may need to be replaced more frequently, depending on the wear on them and how well home care has been followed and maintained.

FAQ

A denture reline is a dental procedure that reshapes a denture’s underside (fitting surface) to make it fit more snugly and comfortably against your gums. Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change—due to natural bone loss, aging, or weight loss—causing dentures to become loose, uncomfortable, or even painful. A reline addresses this by modifying the denture to match your current anatomy better. A reline improves the fit, stability, and retention of the denture. Your gums will progressively change over time. A reline can also extend the life of your denture. We recommend having a reline every 2-3 years.

Some people have susceptible gums, notably the lower. We place a soft liner to make the denture more comfortable and avoid sore spots. It usually consists of a silicone-type lining of 1-2mm in thickness bonded to the fitting surface of the denture. These materials are designed explicitly for intraoral use. Rest assured, it differs from what you would use to seal around the kitchen and bathroom.

The soft liners last around two years and need to be replaced periodically.

Relines are typically recommended every 2-3 years, but the exact timing depends on several factors, including changes in your mouth and the type of denture you have. Immediate dentures might require a reline sooner.

Over time, the shape of your mouth naturally changes — especially after tooth extractions or as you age. As your gums and jawbone gradually shrink or shift, your dentures may no longer fit how they used to. A denture reline is a simple procedure that adjusts the inner surface of your denture to better conform to your mouth’s current shape, improving both comfort and function.

You might need a reline if you notice:

  • Your dentures feel loose, unstable, or tend to rock when talking or eating
  • Your dentures are loose after weight loss
  • You’re experiencing increased gum soreness or irritation
  • You have difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
  • Food frequently gets trapped under your denture
  • It’s been more than 2–3 years since your last adjustment or reline

If you’re experiencing these issues, visiting your denturist is a good idea. A proper reline can make your dentures feel more secure, extend their lifespan, and help maintain oral health.

Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone naturally changes due to:

  • Bone resorption (shrinkage of the bone after tooth loss)
  • Weight loss
  • Aging
  • Medical conditions that affect oral tissues

These changes can cause dentures to become loose, uncomfortable, or less effective. A denture reline adjusts the underside of the denture, so it fits snugly against your gums again.

Relining improves:

  • Comfort – reducing sore spots and irritation
  • Function – helping you chew and speak more easily
  • Oral health – minimizing the risk of infections or gum damage

Most people benefit from a reline every 2-3 years, depending on how their mouth changes over time. It’s a cost-effective way to keep your dentures fitting and feeling their best.

Denture relines are not included in the cost of the initial denture.

While the initial cost covers the design, fabrication, and fitting of the dentures, relines are considered a separate service because they are done later — often months or even years after you receive your dentures. This is due to natural changes in your gums and jawbone over time, which affect how the denture fits.

It’s always best to ask your provider what is and isn’t included in your treatment plan.

Rebase

Rebase Dentures

This is the process whereby all the old denture base acrylic is removed and replaced with new acrylic. This process is only done if the teeth are still in good condition.

Repairs

Denture Repairs

Repairs are done at our onsite lab, which minimizes the cost of repair as well as the duration you would be without your denture. A repair is usually when we fix or add to an existing denture.

Re-Care

Denture Re-Care

These are routine follow up exams with patients, whether it be annually or a few months after your first visit. A re-cared appointment allows for ongoing monitoring and maintenance of our patient’s oral health.